INDIAN WELLS SENIOR HOUSING
Indian Wells, CA
Ninety-one single-story, one-bedroom apartments for low-income seniors are placed across 7.5 acres of a former date grove on the edge of Indian Wells. The units, grouped into six-plexes, focus onto east/west-oriented paseos which feed into courts at the center of the site. These courts are in turn linked along a north/south axis, creating a continuous central spine. Autos, which play a small but necessary role in these seniors' lives are accessed through east/west alleys that alternate with the passers.
Each housing unit is organized by a thermal and social gradient, which becomes more enclosing and cool as one moves into the plan. Private unshaded outdoor spaces (for wintertime and evening use) and fully enclosed interior living spaces are connected by a covered outdoor room.
Each unit is anchored by a thermal chimney. Inspired by the wind towers of the Middle East, these towers allow high venting of hot air, as well as the capturing of cooler night breezes.
Photos by Jim Brady
